Pernice Brothers - "Crestfallen"

After the demise of the Scud Mountain Boys, Joe Pernice recorded the debut album under the Pernice Brothers name (featuring his brother Bob) in 1998. The album 'Overcome by Happiness' was a highlight of that year. Despite the title, it was quite a gloomy album.... but the delivery is absolutely beautiful. As with "Crestfallen" the melancholic lyrics are countered by the quiet vocals and sweeping melodies. 'Overcome by Happiness' hasn't lost any of the charm that the critics noticed at the time of its release. If you love the melodic side of Paul Westerberg or Teenage Fanclub together with 60's and 70's pop, then look no further.

Got a Girl - "Did We Live Too Fast"

Got a Girl are a duo featuring actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead and producer Dan the Automator. I have to admit that I was only aware of one of them prior to this discovery. Their recently released debut album 'I Love You But I Must Drive Off This Cliff Now' has attracted my attention purely by the fact that it is influenced by French pop - a style of music that I fell in love with many years ago. "Did We Live Too Fast" is not exactly Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin but the influences are definitely there along with a bit of modern coolness. The musical equivalent of sitting on the couch with your iPad while a black and white TV is flickering in the background.

Tycho - "Montana"

Tycho's new album 'Awake' is best described as electronica with guitars. "Montana" is a chill-out instrumental that basically becomes an anthem. Tycho (Musician/producer Scott Hansen) have released four albums since 2004, however, 'Awake' is my first full album indulgence and the back catalogue will now be worth investigating.

Jenny Lewis - "Just One Of The Guys"

The music of Jenny Lewis has resonated with me since first discovering her band Rilo Kiley. Her third solo album 'The Voyager' has just been released. Although Rilo Kiley are no longer together, her first two solo albums were released while she was still recording with Rilo Kiley. The Voyager album was produced by Ryan Adams and you can pick up on that when you hear it from start to finish. However, "Just One Of The Guys" was produced by Beck. The album is full of self reflection and "Just One Of The Guys" is about her childlessness.